title: Otitis media as a presenting complaint in childhood immunodeficiency diseases.
abstract: Otitis media is one of the most common childhood infections and may result from a variety of underlying problems. Suspicion of immunodeficiency should increase when ear infections are frequent; suppurative; unresponsive to antibiotics; caused by unusual organisms; or seen in the context of other frequent infections, severe eczema, or failure to thrive. Humoral immune deficiencies, particularly with an inability to make antibody to encapsulated organisms, are the immunodeficiencies most likely to cause increased otitis media. Immune system evaluation should concentrate on humoral immunodeficiency disorders, but the presenting history and physical findings also should be considered when designing the work-up. Treating the underlying immune deficiency is usually necessary to adequately control the ear infections.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy, Immunology, and Pulmonology, University of Nevada School of Medicine, 343 Elm Street, Suite 201, Reno, NV 89503, USA. nwilson@medicine.nevada.edu
authors.forename: Nevin W
authors.initials: NW
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Hogan
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000276:immunology; D016667:Bacterial Capsules / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017074:Common Variable Immunodeficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D004485:Eczema / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D005183:Failure to Thrive / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D008297:Male; D010033:Otitis Media / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial